Ford will manage around 1,400 charging points at its Cologne sites and Saarlouis plant in Germany using software from e-mobility provider chargecloud. Under the agreement, chargecloud supplies its cloud-based operating system while Ford acts as the Charge Point Operator (CPO) for the infrastructure. The partnership also covers home charging for a defined group of employees with company cars, and the companies plan to extend the collaboration to additional Ford sites following the German launch.
Highlights
- The project covers around 1,400 charging points across Ford’s Cologne sites and the Saarlouis plant.
- Ford serves as Charge Point Operator, running the infrastructure on the chargecloud OS.
- Home charging is included for a selected group of employees with company cars.
- Expansion to additional Ford sites is planned after the launch in Germany.
One Application for Workplace and Home Charging
The charging points are integrated through chargecloud’s modular software platform, which enables central control, monitoring, and billing. According to the company, this provides the basis for uniform, transparent management of charging infrastructure across multiple European markets.
chargecloud reports that using a shared application for workplace and home charging points helps standardize processes and manage utilization of the infrastructure efficiently. Standardized interfaces are designed to allow integration into existing IT systems.
“The collaboration with Ford shows how complex charging infrastructures can be managed efficiently with a scalable software solution – securely and across locations,” said Markus Bach, CEO & CTO of chargecloud GmbH. “By connecting workplace and home charging points, a continuous digital structure is created that simplifies operations and covers all use cases. We are pleased to support Ford on this journey.”
Why Is Ford Electrifying Its Site Charging?
The automaker frames the project as part of supporting its workforce’s transition to electric driving.
“The charging infrastructure at our sites in Germany is a core component in supporting our employees on the path to e-mobility,” said Philipp John, Manager Ford-Werke-Fleet. “chargecloud’s solution provides us with the technical foundation and the required range of functions to manage and harmonize the expansion of the charging infrastructure efficiently.”
chargecloud OS in the European Market
chargecloud says its operating system is already established in the European market among energy suppliers, fleet operators, and e-mobility service providers. Centralized software control standardizes maintenance, monitoring, and reporting for the charging points, the company reports, while data sovereignty remains with the operator.
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